Andy Roddick LAMBASTS Novak Djokovic’s critics for his exuberant celebrations against struggling Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open semifinal
The American said that Djokovic's intention was not to mock or disrespect a struggling Alcaraz as the celebrations were just to help him stay focused and engaged during the match.
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Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Twitter and BBC)
Novak Djokovic was booed for his animated celebrations in the French Open semifinal match against a struggling Carlos Alcaraz and secured a berth in the final with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 win. Both the players got hold of the momentum during the first two sets, with both winning each. But after the second set, the Spaniard experienced cramps. Consequently, his movement got affected, and he ended up winning just two games in the last two sets.
Following the victory, the Serb was seen celebrating his points with his usual fist pumps and screams which did not go well with the fans. They criticized the 36-year-old for his continuous celebrations despite Alcaraz’s injury and continued slamming him on social media as well.
However, former World No.1 Andy Roddick came to the defense of the Serb. The American said that Novak Djokovic’s intention was not to mock or disrespect a struggling Carlos Alcaraz, as the celebrations were just to help him stay focused and engaged during the match.
Expressing his thoughts on Twitter, Roddick wrote: “This controversy around Novak pumping his fists to stay focused and engaged when Carlos was struggling is a nothing burger. He was there to win a match. Did nothing to show up his opponent. Move on“.
Novak Djokovic believes Carlos Alcaraz is going to win Roland Garros multiple times
Though Novak Djokovic’s celebrations have stirred controversy, he was all praise for the 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz at the post-match press conference. The youngster has already lifted the 2022 US Open and will win multiple Roland Garros and other Grand Slams, according to Djokovic.
“I told him that he has got plenty of time and I am sure he is going to win Roland Garros multiple times in the future. I have no doubts about it,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner said at the press conference. He also respected the Spaniard for hanging the match until the last point despite the cramps.
Djokovic made it to his 34th Grand Slam final by beating Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal. And now the two-time Roland Garros champion will face last year’s finalist Casper Ruud. The Norwegian decimated Alexander Zverev to make his two consecutive appearances at the summit clash.
Ruud faced a demoralizing straight-sets defeat against Rafael Nadal in last year’s final. He made another Grand Slam final appearance at the 2022 US Open, but that time also, he couldn’t lift his maiden Grand Slam as Alcaraz emerged victorious in four sets. Ruud and Djokovic have locked horns four times, with the Serb emerging victorious on all occasions.
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Gouri Das
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